When you see unfamiliar words, signs, menus, or messages and want to understand the meaning. Very useful for travelers and learners.
이게 무슨 뜻이에요? (ige museun tteusieyo) = polite standard. 이게 뭐야? (ige mwoya) = casual with friends. 이건 무슨 의미인가요? (igeon museun uimiingayo) = more formal/polite.
Point to it and say "이 단어 무슨 뜻이에요? (i daneo museun tteusieyo?) = What does this word mean?"
이게 무슨 뜻이에요? (i-ge mu-seun tteu-si-e-yo?) means "What does this mean?" Very useful when you see new words, signs, or menus. 이게 (i-ge) = this, 무슨 (mu-seun) = what kind of, 뜻 (tteut) = meaning, 이에요 (i-e-yo) = is (polite).
1. Learning Korean: New word in textbook.
2. Travel: Sign, menu you don't understand.
3. Conversation: Friend says slang you don't know.
What does this mean? It's a word I've never seen.
What is this? What does it mean? (Casual)
What does this mean? Please explain. (Formal)
What does this word mean?
• 이게 뭐예요? (ige mwoyeyo) - What is this?
• 어떤 뜻이에요? (eotteon tteusieyo) - What kind of meaning?
• 무슨 말이에요? (museun marieyo) - What does that mean? (spoken)